Can a Physio Send You for an X-ray?

Murray Leyland
2 days ago
3 min read

I was just with a patient the other day and they asked me this exact question

— “Can you actually send me for an X-ray?”

The short answer: Yes, we can.

But there’s a bit more to it, so let’s unpack that properly.

what you need to know?

As physios, we’re trained to assess, diagnose and treat a huge range of musculoskeletal injuries — from ankle sprains to shoulder niggles to that “mystery” back pain that’s been bugging you for weeks.

Sometimes, though, we need to look a little deeper — literally — and that’s when an X-ray can help confirm what we already suspect.

At Thornton Physio, we can refer you directly for an X-ray when we think it’s needed. That means no waiting around for GP appointments or unnecessary hospital trips.

Do You Need a GP Referral? Nope.

If you’ve rolled your ankle, jarred your knee, or taken a hard knock at sport, your physio can send you straight for an X-ray.

We work closely with local clinics like Clarity Imaging and Alto Imaging. They’re fantastic and — best of all — they bulk bill our referrals, so there’s no out-of-pocket expense for you in most cases.

How it works?

Here’s how it usually goes:

You come in for your assessment.
We test and screen to rule out things like fractures or significant structural damage.
If something doesn’t quite add up — or you’re not improving as expected — we’ll send you for an X-ray at one of our local partners.
You’ll usually have your results back same day.

And don’t worry — our team is trained to interpret those images and reports, so we can explain exactly what’s going on and what comes next in your recovery plan.

Why a physio would recommend an x-ray?

It’s not about overusing scans or finding something to worry about. It’s about getting clarity and confidence in your diagnosis.

In areas like the ankle and knee, we follow a set of proven clinical guidelines called the Ottawa Ankle Rules. These are evidence-based rules that ensure we never miss a fracture when they’re applied correctly.

We use them every day to decide whether an X-ray is needed — it means you get the right diagnosis on day one, rather than discovering a missed fracture three weeks later and having to backtrack.

That’s why we might recommend an X-ray — not to over-investigate, but to make sure your recovery starts on the right path from the very beginning.

Should I go to the ed, gp, or physio?

This is a common question we get. And the truth is — none of these options are wrong. Whatever choice you make is the right one for you at that time.

But in terms of pros and cons, here’s how we see it:

Maitland ED
Pros: X-ray on site, free, and has access to boots and casts if needed.
Cons: Wait times can be long — sometimes up to 8 hours on weekends.
HEAL Clinic
Pros: Fast assessment (usually under an hour), with a specialist on site for diagnosis.
Cons: Out-of-pocket cost and limited follow-up once you leave.
Thornton Physio
Pros: Fast assessment, accurate diagnosis, bulk-billed lower limb imaging, and we can fit you with casts, boots, or crutches as needed. Plus, we provide expert-level follow-up care to guide your full recovery.
Cons: Imaging isn’t on site and we’re not open weekends.

Each option has its place — but if you want quick answers, continuity of care, and a clear plan to get moving again, starting with your physio is often the most efficient way forward.

In Short: